Shabaka Gibson

Shabaka Gibson has a diverse work experience that spans various industries. Shabaka is currently working as a Principal at HealthX Ventures since 2023. Prior to that, they served as the Director at Creative Destruction Lab from 2021 to 2023, where they led a team in building and managing a globally-focused seed-stage accelerator. Shabaka also held the position of Director at the University of Wisconsin-Madison during the same period, specifically in the Creative Destruction Lab.

Before their role at Creative Destruction Lab, Shabaka served as the Vice President at Battle Creek Unlimited from 2017 to 2021. In this role, they focused on economic development for startups, small businesses, and manufacturing support. Additionally, they worked as a Senior Vice President at Ady Advantage from 2016 to 2017, where they provided executive consulting services for economic development strategies.

Shabaka's earlier experience includes working at ExxonMobil from 2008 to 2016, where they held a position in Corporate Affairs. Prior to that, they served as a Military Intelligence Officer and Company Commander in the United States Army Reserve from 1997 to 2007.

Overall, Shabaka Gibson has a strong track record in leadership, economic development, and innovative startup support.

Shabaka Gibson attended the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center, where they obtained an AA degree in Russian. Shabaka went on to study at Western Michigan University, where they earned a Bachelor's degree. Afterwards, they pursued a Masters degree at the University of Chicago. Finally, they obtained a Doctorate degree from the University of Maryland.